Here
is our much anticipated October 2010 Event & Activity Schedule.
Please feel free to share this schedule with your friends, colleagues
and family.

For Questions or to register please call or text us at (915) 584-8583 or visit us 5380 North Mesa, Unit 106 at the corner of Mesa and Festival.

We offer a range of themed PRIVATE birthday parties for all ages.

With renovations now complete, we are proud and excited to introduce to you
our NEW Class, Event & Activity Schedule for September, 2010.
Please feel free to share this schedule with your friends, colleagues
and family.

For Questions or to register please call or text us at (915) 253-2383.

Tuesdays 10:00 – 10:45am

Thursdays 10:00 – 10:45

Saturdays 9:30 – 10:15

Tuesdays 11:00 – 11:45am

Tuesdays 4:45 – 5:30pm

Thursdays 11:00 – 11:45am

Thursdays 4:45 – 5:30pm

Saturdays 10:30 – 11:15am

Wednesdays – 4:00 – 4:50pm

Saturdays – 1:00 – 1:50pm

Mondays – 4:30 – 5:20pm

Wednesdays – 10:00 – 10:50am

Saturdays – 3:10 – 4:00pm

Mondays – 5:45 – 6:35pm

Saturdays – 4:10– 5:00pm

Wednesdays – 5:00 – 5:50pm

Saturdays – 2:00 – 2:50pm

Like us, you are already aware that most toys on toy store shelves are in fact not toys, but novelties.  There is no arguing that novelties can be
engaging and fun for a while, and that children should be allowed to be children and own some of the things they see advertised on TV.  However, like many of the TV programs children watch, novelties rarely, if ever, possess much in the way of educational value.

What you may not realize is that, unlike an educational toy or game, novelties promote a generational gap.  By contrast,  educational toys and game promote and catalyze opportunities for parents and grandparents to join in and participate in a child or grandchild’s learning in a fun non-instructional way.  Professionals in most developmental fields have always know this, and that is why educational toys and games are used so prolifically as therapy tools.

We believe that helping our customers choose an Age Appropriate educational toy or game is at the heart of the success we’ve had in recommending winning selections regardless of buying motivation.

One reason this simple methodology is so powerful is that a child’s age is an excellent proxy for their developmental level, and developmentally appropriate toys and games are naturally attractive.    Making a developmentally appropriate choice or using it’s proxy and choosing an age appropriate toy or game gives you the ability to choose a true learning toy that will encourage the development of a child’s innate abilities, foster the development of new skills and create a natural opportunity to participate in your child’s learning process.

To see and learn more about our unique concept, you are cordially invited to come on out to 1Smart Noodle, 5380 North Mesa Unit 106 at the corner of Mesa and Festival.  We are open Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m.and
please bring your children!  In keeping with our philosophy, the store has lots of hands on toys and games to try out.  We are always available to recommend an age appropriate toy or game, to offer game instructions or suggest extension of play ideas to enhance the value of
your selections.

More reasons to shop at 1 Smart Noodle

1. More than a thousand, age appropriate, fun and educational, toys, games and activities to choose from.
2. Professional gift wrapping service at an unbeatable price—FREE
3. Ship a gift anywhere in the Continental United States for a flat fee of $8.95.
4. Help out-of-town family and friends ship birthday and holiday gifts to you for free.  Ask them to shop on-line at www.1SmartNoodle.com and request
   local pick-up.  We will gift wrap their gift for free and hold it for in-store pick up.

Regardless of your age there is something for you at 1 Smart Noodle !

Buy online at 1SmartNoodle.com or come on in to our new brick and mortar location at 5380 North Mesa, Unit 106 in El Paso, Texas.

Melissa and Doug's Social Safari Floor Puzzle

Melissa and Doug's President Floor Puzzle

Jenn

FREE GIFT WRAPPING

FREE REGISTRY

FREE ONLINE / INSTORE TOY PARTIES

FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE

FREE PERSONAL SHOPPER

FREE FUNDRAISERS

Drop in today or visit us at online at 1 Smart Noodle.

What’s in Ned’s Head?  Who knows?  Possibly moldy cheese, a rat, a fried egg or even worse………his lost lunch AKA fake vomit, YUCK!  This wacky hands-on game is sure to keep your children giggling for hours!  Suggested for children 4 years and older this game would work for younger children with adult supervision (lots of small parts that could be a choking hazard).  2 to 4 players can play at one time.

This is a fantastic tactile activity for children and can be used at home, in classrooms or as a therapy tool for children with special needs.  Items are “gross” to keep your child’s attention.  It includes 15 silly items with their matching cards along with Ned’s Head and also includes 10 blank cards so you create your own and the game is ever-changing.  Take a digital photograph of small items around your house or classroom and print them out.  This would work great for parents, teachers, therapists including speech therapists working on a particular sound.  For example if you are working on the “b” sound, find products identifiable to your child that begin with the “b” sound such as a block, baseball, ball, bear, bed, butterfly, ballerina, binoculars (all mini that will fit in Ned’s Head).  Every time you play What’s In Ned’s Head the game would be fresh (unlike the fried egg and vomit) and educational!

Jenn

You remember that wise person that said “take what you like doing and turn it into your life’s work and you will never work a day in your life.”  Well, this past February 14 to 17 I was in New York City reminding myself that I had taken that advise.  For those of you not familiar with the significance of those dates let me tell you.  From February 14 to 17 2010 New York City’s Jared Javitz Center host my most favorite of events–ToyFair.  Toy Fair is the western hemisphere’s largest toy expo hosting over a thousand toy manufactures, and I had the time of my life.   Ok, so I had a good time, but what does that mean for all of you, my loyal readers?   Over the weeks and month that follow I will be sharing with you all of the fantastic toys, games and activities I found at Toy Fair.   I’ll be telling you about all of the great things I have decided to add to the shelves at 1smartnoodle.com and about all of the great things that I decided not to add—and why.   As I do, I will share some of my Toy Fair experiences and by extension I’ll be sharing some insights into the toy industry.  As always, I encourage you to join in the discussion.  So, without delay lets get started.

Triviathon

A hit with my own children and their friends ages eight to twelve.  Triviathon  is Creative Child Magazine’s Game of the Year. It was included in the Dr. Toy 100 Best Children Products and Game Magazine’s Top 100 Games, and in my opinion, is deserving of the recognition.  What’s great about Triviathon is the game allows anyone to compete and win without ever having to know the answer, but you learn the answers as you play.  I suggest that anyone from age 8 through adults will enjoy Triviathon.   It’s great for groups up to 12 people.

Jenn

Have fun with your new Cupcake set and Write A Mats Maria G. from Los Angeles, California and Sara M. from Austin Texas.

Be sure to watch  and enter our next contest coming up in March.

Each winner can choose: Melissa and Doug’s Bake and Decorate Cupcake Set as well as 2 Write -A- Mats of your choice and 1 package

of Write-A-Mat Crayons OR the awarding winning Patchworks Game along with award winningTantrix Game.

All items will be shipped via UPS to the winner’s address (US address only).

Here is how you can win this great prize package:

Each listed item will get you the specified number of entries.  You may make multiply entries in one area,  for example you can tweet the message 3 times to receive 3 entries.

1.  Follow the 1 Smart Noodle Blog at http://blog.1smartnoodle.com/. (1 entry)

2.  Blog about this giveaway on your personal blog including a link to 1SmartNoodle.com. (2 entries per post)

3. Post a comment on 1SmartNoodle’s blog. (1 entry per post)

4.  Subscribe to our newsletter at www.1SmartNoodle.com. (1 entry)

5.  Add 1 Smart Noodle as a Delicious Bookmark to your computer. (1 entry)

6.  Follow 1 Smart Noodle on Twitter. (1 entry)

7.  Tweet this contest. (1 entry per post – tweet this message 5 times and you will get 5 entries)

8.  Purchase toys from www.1SmartNoodle.com. (2 entries per order).

9.  Put this contest along with a link to www.1SmartNoodle.com on you Facebook page.(1 entry)

11.  Write a toy review on www.1SmartNoodle.com (1 entry)

The winners will be chosen by RANDOM.ORG and will have 48 hours to respond.  If after 48 hours the winner has not responded, another winner will be chosen.

All entries must be submitted with proof to info@1SmartNoodle.com.  Please put in the email subject line “CONTEST” .

If you have any questions about this contest please feel free to email me at jennifer@1SmartNoodle.com, call us at 915-253-2383 or live chat.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!

Jenn

Sally from El Paso asks:  I would really like to purchase a Kidz Labs Science Kit for my niece who is turning 7.  The box states it is appropriate for ages 8 years and up.  Will it be too difficult for her to do?

Jennifer replies:  I would suggest to complete the science kit with an adult.  Your Niece may need assistance following the directions in the kit  but they are a lot of fun and very popular.  They make a great gift!  My own children love these kits and have done several of them!

Marrisa from San Diego asks:  When do you post up new products onto www.1SmartNoodle.com?  Do new products arrive only at the beginning of each year?

Jennifer replies:  Great question Marrisa.  We are constantly adding new products on the website.  We see new products every February from  manufacturers at the New York trade show “Toy Fair” , a special conference put on by the toy industry for toy retailers.  We  love attending that show and seeing all the great new products from current and new manufacturers.  Products are manufactured and released throughout the year and we make them available as soon as they come in.  So new products are added regularly.  Join our newsletter to get notification of new arrivals, sales and special offers by email, or visit the site’s new arrivals category for a full list of newly added toys, games and activities.

Derek from Maimi asks:  I’ve shopped with you before.  There is a product that I would like to purchase but I don’t see it on your website?

Jennifer replies:  We hand select every item that we carry at 1 Smart Noodle to ensure that it measures up to our high standards.  We do not sell toys that we wouldn’t give to our own children to play with.  Please let us know which product you are interested in and we will let you know if we can get it.  (Derek wanted Buckyballsand they are arriving within the next few days.  Great new product!!!).

Patricia from Denver asks:  I am interested in purchasing the game Tantrix.  I see that it is available in a metal or wooden holder.  How do I choose?

Jennifer replies:  One of my favorite games!  The metal holder Tantrix tiles have a black background and the wooden holder Tantrix tiles have a green background.  You can mix and match as the patterns on each one is the same regardless if you have a green or black set.  The metal holder is great for traveling.  I always have one in my purse so when I travel or go to a restaurant I can easily take it out and the pieces all stay within the holder (always keeps my kids busy!).  With the metal holder you need to wiggle out the first few pieces and then the rest come out very easily.  The green one is great for a table or desk.   The wooden holder is  ideal for younger children, as it is easier to remove the pieces and tidy up once play is completed.

Chris from Houston asks:  What is the Balancing Cactus from Plan Toymade of?

Jennifer replies:  Plan Toys is proud of the environmentally friendly materials they use for all their toys.  The Balancing Cactus is made of  heat treated Rubber wood.  The heat treating stabilizes and preserves the wood without the need to employ harmful chemicals.  The bright colors are created with water-based dyes.  While our first concerns are the safety and educational value of the toys and games we offer, it doesn’t hurt that Plan Toys is environmentally conscious too.

email me at Jennifer@1SmartNoodle.com

Lacey’s fine motor is getting better, but we are still working with an Occupational Therapist, so her first gift from her brother Noah was  The Fairy

Garden Theme Construction from Superstructs.  Lacey doesn’t have much when it comes to construction toys…..definitely a girly girl.   As an activity these girl theme superstructs are perfect for her fine motor development.  She loves to build things with it and really loves when her brothers help her follow the directions in the instruction booklet to create something really cool!  This is a great beginner set for any child especially girls who need help or a little extra practice with fine motor activities.  Pieces are large and durable, so it will last.  Comes in a storage tub that makes it easy for the little ones to clean up when play is done.

Lacey really loves playing in her pretend kitchen so her brother Jacob gave her the Melissa and Doug Fridge Food set.  She loves giving us a menu to choose what we would like to order from her “kitchen restaurant”.  A great way to extend play with this idea is create a menu on construction paper ( laminate at your local office supply store) and include the picture and the word for each food item that is available in their play kitchen.  Beside each word draw a large box.  When you place your “order for food” with your child allow them to use a dry erase marker and check the box for the items that you order.  Make sure that once you are finished your “meal” that you also pay.  You can either use pennies or pretend money.  Again if you create pretend money take the time to laminate it so that it will last a long time.  This is a great way to teach your child matching skills (following the order from the menu, finding the items and then delivery), counting skills, turn taking, language skills and listening skills.

From Mom and Dad, (we were mommy and daddy until my boys announced recently that they were too old to refer to us as mommy and daddy.  Ever since then Lacey has refused to call us anything but mom and dad).  We wanted to give Lacey something to promote her language development, so we gave her the

Melissa and Doug’s Puppet Theater and three puppets.  The puppet theater is a great way for Lacey to continue working on her language skills while she engages in pretend play which is one of her favorite types of play.  Although her puppet shows are currently only seconds long, I know she will grow in the dialogue as she watches her brothers, dad and mom put on performances.  As you know along with language and pretend play, this type of dramatic play activity is also great for social skills and turn taking.  Because the Melissa and Doug puppets come with a removable arm control stick they are great for fine motor and gross motor as well.  Lacey is just now starting to get the hand control of the puppet’s mouth to coordinate with the spoken words.

Remember the key to buying a good gift is to look for things the will create a foundation for learning.  Toys that expand their play value is key such as the suggestion with Lacey’s play food.

Don’t hesitate to send me your questions by email or in a comment to this blog.  You don’t have to be buying from

www.1SmartNoodle.com to ask my suggestions. I am always happy to make a suggestion.

Thanks for reading my blog!   I look  forward to reading your comments!

Jenn